Tidy Towns groups can still use the funding that was allocated to them despite the cancellation of this year’s competition.
East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon welcomed the announcement that the organisations in the region will not lose out on funding which was earmarked for them to help them prepare for this year’s competition.
Last year, €1.4m was allocated to groups nationwide to assist them in their preparations for this year’s SuperValu TidyTowns competition.
Minister Cannon has advised that any groups that have already spent the funds they received should retain their records of expenditure in the normal way.
“I also want to assure those groups which have not yet spent the funding they received, they can continue to use it over the next few months to assist with activities they might undertake as the COVID-19 restrictions are eased, or in preparing for the 2021 competition.
“This includes, for instance, and where applicable the funding granted to Lawrencetown of €1,000; to Abbeyknockmoy of €1,000; to Abbey of €1,000; to Athenry of €3,000; to Kinvara of €1,000; to Loughrea of €3,000; to Portumna of €2,000; to Tuam of €3,000 and to Woodford of €1,000,” he said.
Due to the current restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fine Gael TD says that it would not have been feasible or safe for TidyTowns groups in the region to continue their great tradition of work in the normal way.
“However, I very much hope that once the restrictions on gatherings are eased, and where possible within the public health guidelines, they can resume their work in making towns and villages in East Galway more attractive and welcoming.”
